The Internet is full of some very useful and informative tools on authors that sit there just for the asking. Take some time to check them out and share them here with your colleagues.
Please follow the format shown below:
Title or Name of site:
Url in full (not shortened):
Full description of what to expect:
Copy this format and add your own recommendation.
Title: Url: Description:
Site: Lynette VandeKieft's Quick Surf Historical Fiction in the Elementary Classroom
Description: This site contains a wealth of information for any educator who wants to use historical fiction in their classroom. It contains definitions for historical fiction, tips on incorporating into a class, and links to many other relevant sites, including book lists.
Title: Online Novels: Historical Novels A-L (18) Url: http://online-novels.blogspot.com/2008/10/historical-novels-l-16.html Description: Online Novels contains the titles of more than 500 online books written by both published and unpublished authors who have made their work freely available on the internet. The novels listed here are organized by category, with brief descriptions taken from the websites on which they can be found.
Title:Online Novels: Historical Novels M-Z (20) Url: http://online-novels.blogspot.com/2008/08/historical-novels.html Description: Online Novels contains the titles of more than 500 online books written by both published and unpublished authors who have made their work freely available on the internet. The novels listed here are organized by category, with brief descriptions taken from the websites on which they can be found.
Site: Laurie Halse Anderson
URL: http://www.writerlady.com
Description: Upon entering there is a welcoming message, social media and to the right is news and events detailing her tour schedule. At the bottom of the page are the links for Biography, Novels, Kids Books and Stuff. The Stuff section includes FAQ’s, Favorites, and Homework Help (for the homework that pertains to her work). In the Kids Books section, I found a book that I will be using with my second graders: Thank You Sarah, a HF book about Sarah Hale, woman editor who wrote to save Thanksgiving.
Description: Laurie Halse Anderson has a well organized and appealing site. She gives people a variety of online ways to discuss her literature. All her books have their own pages with a variety of links including teacher guides and book excerpts. One can feel her dry, sarcastic sense of humor. This site is visually engaging.
Site: Laurie Halse Anderson
URL: http://madwomanintheforest.com/
Description: An extensive site that really allows insight into Laurie as well as the writing process. The site does a great job conveying her passion for the written word. Readers can find more information about the development of her characters, students can get homework help and teachers can even set up Skypes with Laurie.
Site: Jean M. Auel
URL: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/auel/webroot/index.html
Description: Not as personal as other sites, probably because it is through her publisher. However, it is a thorough look at her most recent Children of the Earth series book Shelter's of Stone. Does include a video interview of her discussing how she was inspired to write the series.
Site: Avi
URL: http://www.avi-writer.com/
Description: Avi’s site is very user friendly. His main page has pictures of his main book categories with links for more like them that he has written. There is also a blog link where Avi answers questions each month. There is a link to new writings and a link to skype visits for classrooms grades four and older.
Site: Karen Cushman
URL: www.karencushman.com
Description: Cushman’s site contains a bibliography of her books, 20 odd facts about her including her zodiac sign and favorite food, frequently asked questions, and a section with pictures and comments about her pets.
Site: Karen Cushman
URL: http://www.karencushmanbooks.com/
Description: Karen Cushman’s website is full of information about her that would be great for author studies. One link is “odd facts” where she writes about things from her astrology sign to what she likes the best about writing. She also has a journal page that she writes in each month about her interests. The site also has information about her books, both the ones she writes and the ones she loves.
Site: Patricia Elliot
URL: http://www.patriciaelliott.co.uk/index.php
Description: Patricia Elliot wrote an interesting biography. I liked how she included more historical background information for her 2 French historical novels. She also provided a lot of links so one could get more information if needed. I found out that she wrote some interesting sounding fantasy books, too.
Site: Susan Fletcher
URL: http://www.susanfletcher.com/
Description: Susan Fletcher is an author who writes both historical fiction and fantasy. Her website is full of fun information about her and her books. She has written 4 historical fiction books. Each book link has a description of why and how she wrote the books. She loves to do research and likes explaining to readers how she did it. She has lots for information for kids doing author studies, but also a lot for teachers who want to do more with her books. She has a link called learning resources that has literary guides and enrichment materials. She also does writing workshops for kids, teachers and the general public.
Site: Philippa Gregory
URL: http://www.philippagregory.com
Description: This website includes a “library” of Gregory’s books that include the time period of which they were written. The font of the website is very “scripty”, maybe Old English or something regal. It also includes interviews and a biography of the author.
Description: Philippa Gregory offers a wealth of information about her books by dividing them into historical periods. She offers family trees so her readers can keep track of the many historical English characters in her books. Book discussion ideas and an interesting CNN interview video are included. Students can learn about the charity Gardens for The Gambia that was set up by author Philippa Gregory to provide water for wells in the gardens of rural schools in Gambia.
Site: Will Hobbs
URL: http://www.willhobbsauthor.com
Description: The sites links are Meet Will Hobbs, Will’s books, Favorite Questions, For Teachers and Librarians, and Just For Fun. In the Teachers and Librarians section, Mr. Hobbs put together a great list of resources he used when writing his books and activities he picked up from schools that coordinate with his books.
Site: Deborah Hopkinson
URL: http://www.deborahhopkinson.com/
Description: Hopkinson’s website features her books (both historical fiction and nonfiction), as well her biography and news and events that are happening.
Site: Cynthia Kadohata, My Life Real and Imagined
URL: www.kira-kira.us
Description: Author Cynthia Kadohata's site includes personal information and pictures. Information about her books, Q & A, and appearance information.
Site: Lois Lowry
URL: http://www.loislowry.com/
Description: A very user young user friendly site that encourages readers to contact the Lois Lowry herself via e-mail or to visit her blog.
Site: Katherine Paterson
URL: http://www.terabithia.com
Description: The homepage opens with links to Library, Awards, About, Questions and Events.
Site: Scott O’Dell
URL: http://www.scottodell.com/Pages/home.aspx
Description: Scott O’Dell’s website includes information about the author written by him, as well as a biography of O’Dell written after his death. The website also has the books he has written and awards he has won.
Site: Candice Ransom
URL: www.candiceransom.com/
Description: This site contains a welcome note from Candice on the home page as well as three things we don’t know about the author. It has a teacher section with study guides and suggestions for discussions as well as information about having the author visit your school.
Site: Ann Rinaldi
URL: http://www.annrinaldi.net/
Description: Anne Rinaldi’s site is full of information about the author’s life and her views about writing. Each book has a page on this site which explains its content. Rinaldi even provides readers with contact information if they would like to share information or express their opinions about her work. The only drawback is that the information about each of her books is limited to what appears on the dust cover. There are no additional links for further explanations.
Site: Ann Rinaldi http://www.annrinaldi.net/
Description: This site is dedicated to Ann Rinaldi's work. It gives background information, a novel list, facts and book reviews.
Site: Ann Rinaldi http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/professional-development/childlit/rinaldi.html
This site is also dedicated to Ann Rinaldi and includes a great interview with her. It gives a comprehensive background on the author, revies of each of her books and an additional source list for continued research.
Site: Roland Smith
URL: www.rolandsmith.com
Description: Author Roland Smith's site includes a bio, book information, pictures, and some excellent curriculum ideas to supplement your teaching.
Site: Mildred D. Taylor
URL: http://www.olemiss.edu/mwp/dir/taylor_mildred/
Description: This site, sponsored by the University of Mississippi, provides students and teachers with biographical information about the author as well as links to a variety of sites for additional information about her works.
Site: Markus Zusak
URL: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/markuszusak/
Description: This site provides biography of the young Australian author as well as information about the author’s works. The author explains his writing process as well as his inspiration in a short video which opens the site. It is illuminating for both teachers and students. Zusak invites students into his world and into the act of writing to make sense of their world.
Historical Fiction
The Internet is full of some very useful and informative tools on authors that sit there just for the asking.
Take some time to check them out and share them here with your colleagues.
Please follow the format shown below:
Title or Name of site:
Url in full (not shortened):
Full description of what to expect:
Copy this format and add your own recommendation.
Title:Url:
Description:
Site: Lynette VandeKieft's Quick Surf Historical Fiction in the Elementary Classroom
URL: https://www.msu.edu/~vandeki3/
Description: This site contains a wealth of information for any educator who wants to use historical fiction in their classroom. It contains definitions for historical fiction, tips on incorporating into a class, and links to many other relevant sites, including book lists.
Title: Online Novels: Historical Novels A-L (18)
Url: http://online-novels.blogspot.com/2008/10/historical-novels-l-16.html
Description: Online Novels contains the titles of more than 500 online books written by both published and unpublished authors who have made their work freely available on the internet. The novels listed here are organized by category, with brief descriptions taken from the websites on which they can be found.
Title: Online Novels: Historical Novels M-Z (20)
Url: http://online-novels.blogspot.com/2008/08/historical-novels.html
Description: Online Novels contains the titles of more than 500 online books written by both published and unpublished authors who have made their work freely available on the internet. The novels listed here are organized by category, with brief descriptions taken from the websites on which they can be found.
Site: Laurie Halse Anderson
URL: http://www.writerlady.com
Description: Upon entering there is a welcoming message, social media and to the right is news and events detailing her tour schedule. At the bottom of the page are the links for Biography, Novels, Kids Books and Stuff. The Stuff section includes FAQ’s, Favorites, and Homework Help (for the homework that pertains to her work). In the Kids Books section, I found a book that I will be using with my second graders: Thank You Sarah, a HF book about Sarah Hale, woman editor who wrote to save Thanksgiving.
Description: Laurie Halse Anderson has a well organized and appealing site. She gives people a variety of online ways to discuss her literature. All her books have their own pages with a variety of links including teacher guides and book excerpts. One can feel her dry, sarcastic sense of humor. This site is visually engaging.
Site: Laurie Halse Anderson
URL: http://madwomanintheforest.com/
Description: An extensive site that really allows insight into Laurie as well as the writing process. The site does a great job conveying her passion for the written word. Readers can find more information about the development of her characters, students can get homework help and teachers can even set up Skypes with Laurie.
Site: Jean M. Auel
URL: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/auel/webroot/index.html
Description: Not as personal as other sites, probably because it is through her publisher. However, it is a thorough look at her most recent Children of the Earth series book Shelter's of Stone. Does include a video interview of her discussing how she was inspired to write the series.
Site: Avi
URL: http://www.avi-writer.com/
Description: Avi’s site is very user friendly. His main page has pictures of his main book categories with links for more like them that he has written. There is also a blog link where Avi answers questions each month. There is a link to new writings and a link to skype visits for classrooms grades four and older.
Site: Karen Cushman
URL: www.karencushman.com
Description: Cushman’s site contains a bibliography of her books, 20 odd facts about her including her zodiac sign and favorite food, frequently asked questions, and a section with pictures and comments about her pets.
Site: Karen Cushman
URL: http://www.karencushmanbooks.com/
Description: Karen Cushman’s website is full of information about her that would be great for author studies. One link is “odd facts” where she writes about things from her astrology sign to what she likes the best about writing. She also has a journal page that she writes in each month about her interests. The site also has information about her books, both the ones she writes and the ones she loves.
Site: Patricia Elliot
URL: http://www.patriciaelliott.co.uk/index.php
Description: Patricia Elliot wrote an interesting biography. I liked how she included more historical background information for her 2 French historical novels. She also provided a lot of links so one could get more information if needed. I found out that she wrote some interesting sounding fantasy books, too.
Site: Susan Fletcher
URL: http://www.susanfletcher.com/
Description: Susan Fletcher is an author who writes both historical fiction and fantasy. Her website is full of fun information about her and her books. She has written 4 historical fiction books. Each book link has a description of why and how she wrote the books. She loves to do research and likes explaining to readers how she did it. She has lots for information for kids doing author studies, but also a lot for teachers who want to do more with her books. She has a link called learning resources that has literary guides and enrichment materials. She also does writing workshops for kids, teachers and the general public.
Site: Philippa Gregory
URL: http://www.philippagregory.com
Description: This website includes a “library” of Gregory’s books that include the time period of which they were written. The font of the website is very “scripty”, maybe Old English or something regal. It also includes interviews and a biography of the author.
Description: Philippa Gregory offers a wealth of information about her books by dividing them into historical periods. She offers family trees so her readers can keep track of the many historical English characters in her books. Book discussion ideas and an interesting CNN interview video are included. Students can learn about the charity Gardens for The Gambia that was set up by author Philippa Gregory to provide water for wells in the gardens of rural schools in Gambia.
Site: Will Hobbs
URL: http://www.willhobbsauthor.com
Description: The sites links are Meet Will Hobbs, Will’s books, Favorite Questions, For Teachers and Librarians, and Just For Fun. In the Teachers and Librarians section, Mr. Hobbs put together a great list of resources he used when writing his books and activities he picked up from schools that coordinate with his books.
Site: Deborah Hopkinson
URL: http://www.deborahhopkinson.com/
Description: Hopkinson’s website features her books (both historical fiction and nonfiction), as well her biography and news and events that are happening.
Site: Cynthia Kadohata, My Life Real and Imagined
URL: www.kira-kira.us
Description: Author Cynthia Kadohata's site includes personal information and pictures. Information about her books, Q & A, and appearance information.
Site: Lois Lowry
URL: http://www.loislowry.com/
Description: A very user young user friendly site that encourages readers to contact the Lois Lowry herself via e-mail or to visit her blog.
Site: Katherine Paterson
URL: http://www.terabithia.com
Description: The homepage opens with links to Library, Awards, About, Questions and Events.
Site: Scott O’Dell
URL: http://www.scottodell.com/Pages/home.aspx
Description: Scott O’Dell’s website includes information about the author written by him, as well as a biography of O’Dell written after his death. The website also has the books he has written and awards he has won.
Site: Candice Ransom
URL: www.candiceransom.com/
Description: This site contains a welcome note from Candice on the home page as well as three things we don’t know about the author. It has a teacher section with study guides and suggestions for discussions as well as information about having the author visit your school.
Site: Ann Rinaldi
URL: http://www.annrinaldi.net/
Description: Anne Rinaldi’s site is full of information about the author’s life and her views about writing. Each book has a page on this site which explains its content. Rinaldi even provides readers with contact information if they would like to share information or express their opinions about her work. The only drawback is that the information about each of her books is limited to what appears on the dust cover. There are no additional links for further explanations.
Site: Ann Rinaldi
http://www.annrinaldi.net/
Description: This site is dedicated to Ann Rinaldi's work. It gives background information, a novel list, facts and book reviews.
Site: Ann Rinaldi
http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/professional-development/childlit/rinaldi.html
This site is also dedicated to Ann Rinaldi and includes a great interview with her. It gives a comprehensive background on the author, revies of each of her books and an additional source list for continued research.
Site: Ann Rinaldi
http://biography.jrank.org/pages/1684/Rinaldi-Ann-1934.html
This site provides book summaries for her novels and a well-written background summary of the author.
Site: Roland Smith
URL: www.rolandsmith.com
Description: Author Roland Smith's site includes a bio, book information, pictures, and some excellent curriculum ideas to supplement your teaching.
Site: Mildred D. Taylor
URL: http://www.olemiss.edu/mwp/dir/taylor_mildred/
Description: This site, sponsored by the University of Mississippi, provides students and teachers with biographical information about the author as well as links to a variety of sites for additional information about her works.
Site: Markus Zusak
URL: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/markuszusak/
Description: This site provides biography of the young Australian author as well as information about the author’s works. The author explains his writing process as well as his inspiration in a short video which opens the site. It is illuminating for both teachers and students. Zusak invites students into his world and into the act of writing to make sense of their world.